Legal Insights
Plain-language guides and case briefs on Philippine law — researched from the firm's law library of 184,000+ statutes, Supreme Court decisions, and agency issuances, and written so non-lawyers can understand and act on them.
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Self-Defense and Unjustified Aggression: Evaluating Claims in Homicide Cases
When does self-defense hold in Philippine homicide cases? The Supreme Court explains the burden of proof and the elements required.
Sandiganbayan Jurisdiction Over Graft Cases: Municipal Mayors and Salary Grade 27
The Supreme Court clarifies when the Sandiganbayan, not trial courts, hears graft cases against municipal mayors based on salary grade.
When "May" Means Optional: Advance Payments in Property Sales
Supreme Court ruling on whether a buyer's advance payment obligation in a property sale is mandatory or discretionary, and its effect on contract rescission.
Accomplice vs Principal in Murder Cases: Key Distinctions Under Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when a person is a principal rather than an accomplice in murder, and how complex crimes apply to multiple shootings.
Unions Cannot Waive Individual Workers' Rights Without Their Consent
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on whether unions can compromise individual workers' claims without their consent, and the limits of collective bargaining authority.
Multiple Victims, Separate Crimes: Complex vs. Multiple Offenses in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies when multiple shootings of several victims constitute separate crimes, not a complex crime, under Article 48.
Extrajudicial Partition and Property Rights in Philippine Inheritance Disputes
Understand how the Supreme Court upheld a 1951 extrajudicial partition, clarifying heirs' property rights, prescription, and laches in inheritance disputes.
Ejectment vs. Ownership: Why Forcible Entry Cases Can Proceed Despite Ownership Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court clarifies that forcible entry cases proceed independently of ownership disputes; RTC erred in dismissing ejectment appeal.
Corporate Liquidation vs Labor Claims: How the Supreme Court Resolved the Conflict
When a company under rehabilitation is ordered liquidated, labor claims must be filed with the liquidator, not executed separately. Learn the rule.
Habeas Corpus and Drug Offenses: Ensuring Fair Application of Penalties
A look at how the Supreme Court used habeas corpus to correct an excessive penalty for a minor drug offense.
Due Process in Dismissal: Protecting Government Employees From Unlawful Termination
The Supreme Court clarifies when dropping a government employee from the rolls for AWOL violates due process, and what evidence is required.
Conspiracy and Treachery in Murder: Collective Criminal Liability Explained
How the Supreme Court applied conspiracy and treachery to hold all participants equally liable for murder, even without each inflicting the fatal blow.
Extradition and Due Process: Balancing Treaty Obligations and Individual Rights in the Philippines
The Supreme Court ruled that a prospective extraditee enjoys basic due process rights—notice and hearing—even during the executive evaluation stage of extradition proceedings.
When Can a Motion to Dismiss Be Filed After Answer? Obando v. Figueras Explained
The Supreme Court explains when a motion to dismiss may be granted even after an answer is filed, and what happens when a party loses legal standing mid-case.
Physical Evidence Prevails Over Witness Testimony in Traffic Collision Liability
Supreme Court ruling on vehicular accidents: physical evidence outweighs biased witness testimony in determining fault and liability.
Dismissal Without Malicious Prosecution: Why Probable Cause Matters in Philippine Law
Philippine Supreme Court explains why a dismissed criminal case does not automatically mean malicious prosecution. Learn the legal distinction.
When Medical Care Turns to Negligence: Understanding Res Ipsa Loquitur in Philippine Medical Malpractice
The Supreme Court explains res ipsa loquitur in medical malpractice through a patient who suffered brain damage during anesthesia before surgery.
Homicide or Murder: Decoding Treachery and Premeditation in Philippine Criminal Law
The Supreme Court explains when treachery and evident premeditation qualify a killing as murder, and when the crime remains homicide.
Land Valuation Disputes and Mandamus: Lessons from Land Bank v. Court of Appeals
When can a writ of mandamus compel the Land Bank to pay agrarian reform compensation? A 1999 Supreme Court ruling explains.
Voluntary Appearance and Estoppel: How Jurisdictional Defects in Philippine Courts Can Be Cured
Philippine Supreme Court ruling on how voluntary appearance and estoppel can cure jurisdictional defects in criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.
Electrocution and Liability: Negligence and Damages in Philippine Law
A Supreme Court ruling on electric cooperative liability for electrocution, negligence, and damages under Philippine law.
Conspiracy in Philippine Murder Cases When Actions Speak Louder Than Words
A look at the 1999 Supreme Court ruling in People v. More, which clarifies how conspiracy and self-defense are weighed in murder cases.
How Tax Declarations and Possession Solidify Property Rights in Philippine Land Disputes
Philippine Supreme Court ruling explains when tax declarations prove ownership and how adverse possession cures defective titles.
Positive Identification in Philippine Law: Why Eyewitness Testimony Matters in Criminal Cases
The Supreme Court explains why a credible eyewitness's positive identification outweighs alibi and negative paraffin test results in Philippine criminal cases.